Here is the skinny. We had an air leak on one of our drive axle air bags a few years ago, so we simply cut the floor to get at the offending fitting. Fast forward to yesterday, and I noticed the cutout above the air bag wasn't sitting flat.

I really knew what was going on, but I confirmed it. The main supports, that are under the floor, and run across the bus side to side, are totally rotted out. The air bag is buckling the support up, which is what I noticed.

So here is my question. I really don't want to tear the entire back of the bus apart and pull the floor up, just to weld new beams in there. I thought, at one point, we heard about someone doing it from the bottom side of the coach. Anybody know?

Second part of the question, that Belfert (Brian) might now. Is CJ bus repair good and reliable?

Yes, I like C&J Bus Repair. The labor rates are getting up there at $109 an hour, but not out of line with other heavy truck shops. The local Freightliner shop charges $129 an hour with $169 an hour for RVs! My bus is presently at another shop getting brake chambers replaced. The other shop is recommended by a busnut and is $30 an hour less than C&J. I'll still take the bus to C&J for chassis inspection and lubrication since they have a lift large enough for a bus.

Your issue is a bus specific issue so I would go to C&J as they have probably seen the issue before especially with the salt here locally.

Are you in the Minneapolis area now? Maybe we can get together if I can find a hole in my very busy schedule.

That can't be Clifford,, cause I'm that guy and poor to prove it!!>>>Dan

I've met you both, and my money's on Sonnie Gray!

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A curmudgeon's reputation for malevolence is undeserved. They're neither warped nor evil at heart. They don't hate mankind, just mankind's absurdities. They're just as sensitive and soft-hearted as the next guy, but they hide their vulnerability beneath a crust of misanthropy.

Let me clarify my answer about C&J bus repair. If you are near the Minneapolis area I would use them. If you are not near Minneapolis I might not make a special trip to see them. If you are looking nationally and willing to travel I might consider Bryce Gaston (B_K) near Nashville or Choo-Choo garage in Chattanooga.

I would call C&J to see what they say about doing the repairs. 952-881-0034 JD might be able to give you a rough estimate on cost since they seem to have done it a lot. I suspect they would do a good job although the price might be high.

So I called Sam Caylor, and he said he can replace the beams for us. He price seemed decent and he is really close to us. We have had great experience's purchasing things from him. Do I assume that his work is also good? Anybody know? He would be our first choice now, and since he does quite a few of them.

Who was it that had their bus wrecked by the old caddy down south (Matt somebody?), and had Sam repair it?